David Bowie’s Final Album Was A Parting Gift To Fans

He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was no different from his life – a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn’t, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry.”

— Tony Visconti, producer of David Bowie’s final album Blackstar (now available on iTunes), released on the icon’s 69th birthday, just days before his death from cancer on January 10, in a message posted to his Facebook page